About our Learning and Instruction Resources

Learn to Play Recorder - Resources for recorder players of all levels

The mission of the American Recorder Society is to promote the recorder and its music.  Whether you are just beginning to learn recorder or are an advanced player with years of experience, we offer a community of players locally and nationally to support your interest in the recorder, as well as a variety of resources on our website. Many of these resources are available to all recorder players, though we encourage you to consider the additional benefits of membership in the ARS if you have not already joined.

Extended Recorder Techniques
“Extended technique” is a term used in music to describe unconventional, unorthodox or “improper” techniques of singing, or of playing musical instruments. Here are some videos to explain common extended techniques on the recorder. Many of these are used in early music as well as modern music.

Fingering Charts
This page offers links to several thorough sources of fingering charts for various styles and makes of recorder.

Instructional Videos
Vicki Boeckman's How to Play the Recorder, and How to Play Simple Songs on the Recorder are designed for beginning players. Each of these topics includes a sequence of five videos, narrated and demonstrated by Vicki Boeckman, a professional recorder performer and teacher based in Seattle, WA.

Links to Other Online Resources
There are many resources available on the Internet (beyond our website). You will find links to some of these resources on this page.

Look for a Recorder Teacher
When you are learning recorder, it can be very helpful to take lessons with a teacher. Among our members are professional recorder teachers, who have identified themselves as such on their membership record.  You may search this directory to find a recorder teacher near you.  Also, many teachers are able to offer lessons via Zoom or other online apps.  And if you live near other recorder players but there's no teacher nearby, check out our Traveling Teacher Program, described below.

Look for Groups to Come to Your School
The ARS Education Program has compiled a list of active players and ensembles, both amateur and professional, that perform in schools and/or for educational venues. These players and groups introduce the recorder, as well as its history and repertoire, to students.

Online Free Recorder Classes for Beginners
ARS offers free classes, taught by professional recorder teachers, to anyone who has an Internet connection. They take place on Zoom and serve as an easy, low-stress way to get started. Second Level classes are available to ARS members at no charge.  These classes are sporadic, so keep please checking for schedule updates.

Online Second Level Beginner Recorder Classes [for ARS Members only]
Beginner classes are free to all, but Second Level beginner classes are only for ARS members. These classes are available to ARS members at no charge. Learn from the best recorder professionals! These classes are sporadic, so please keep checking for schedule updates.

Personal Study Program [for ARS Members only]
The American Recorder Society Personal Study Program provides recorder players with a structured program in technique, musicianship and performance repertoire.

Recorder FAQs
These questions and answers address types of recorders, where to begin, and offer some references.

Technique Tip Videos
See a variety of professionals demonstrate various recorder techniques, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

Other Helpful Resources

ARS Facebook Group
Join the group and share recorder related questions, ideas, events, links, and information. Open to non-members as well as ARS members.

ARS NOVA
ARS NOVA is a free monthly e-mag of the American Recorder Society, with techniques, tips and items of interest to recorder players.  Anyone may sign up. We have an extensive archive categorized according to topic for easy reference.

Other ARS Publications
Many ARS publications are available online as .pdf downloads. These include hundreds of pieces of recorder music for download in our searchable libraries as well as publications on American Recorder Music, Playing Music for Dance, and Recorder Care.

Scholarships and Grants [for ARS Members only!]
You may apply for grant funding for a scholarship to weekend or week-long recorder workshops.

Traveling Teacher Program [for ARS Members only!]
If you’re not fortunate to live near a professional teacher, the ARS offers a program to members to help a teacher come to you!  Your group of recorder players may apply for a grant to subsidize the cost of travel for a teacher to visit your area three to four times a year.

Weekend or Week-long Recorder and Early Music Workshops
This page lists our “Partner Members” who offer workshops for recorder players. If you’ve never been to a workshop, you don’t know what you’re missing!  All music, all day (or as much as you want), often with opportunities to try new things such as dance and different instrument families. If you need financial help, check out our Scholarship opportunities.